Hemodynamics during rest and exercise before and after prolonged digitalization in normal subiects

Abstract

Twelve normal men were given acetyldigitoxin or digitoxin by mouth for 1 to 3 weeks. Cardiac output by dye dilution technique, intravascular arterial and right atrial pressures, heart rates with electrocardiogram, and oxygen consumption were determined during rest and at different work loads before and after digitalization. Pulse rate fell and stroke volume and left ventricular stroke work increased at rest. During the most frequently used work load, the pulse rate fell. No other hemodynamic changes were observed after digitalization.